Events
My experience in developing events ranges from meetings and workshops to farmers’ markets and large-scale events like the Move-In Resale. Strategic planning, communications, attention to detail, and collaboration are all key to a successful event. Below are images from previous events that I have organized. Utilizing limited resources and a whole lot of creativity, many of these events became annual traditions, expanding both in size and attendees year after year.
Images courtesy of Princeton University’s Office of Sustainability.
Greening Move-Out and Move-In Resale
Princeton University’s Greening Move-Out program collects unwanted dorm items from end of year move-out and donates them to local organizations or sells them in the fall to new and returning students at the Move-In Resale.
I managed all facets of the Greening Move-Out program for Princeton University’s Office of Sustainability including: Hiring, training and managing student leaders, communications and outreach, logistics during move-out, summer inventory and Resale operations. The program started as a small pilot in 2016 to investigate whether there was student interest in purchasing gently-used dorm items donated at the end of the previous semester. After selling out the entirety of our items that year, I worked with student leaders to grow the initiative each year, increasing the number of items collected and sold by 30% each year. The third annual Move-In Resale in 2019 was the largest to date, with nearly 500 attendees, we tripled the number of items sold and earned over $11,000, which more than covered the cost of operating the program. Following campus protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, I collaborated with Facilities staff to divert donations for the 2021 Move-In Resale+ a modified version of the original event, with fewer items but additional features including DIY healthcare products, a plant sale and informational booths. The event drew over 500 attendees and raised over $6,000. Despite limited resources and health restrictions, we were able to meet our goal to cover the costs of operating the program. Ultimately the program’s success stemmed from strategic event planning and creativity in communications.
The Association of New Jersey Recyclers and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection recognized Princeton University’s comprehensive reuse program, including the Greening Move-Out program, during a ceremony on November 19, 2020.
The third annual Move-In Resale 2019 took place in the central campus Gym for the first time.
The 2019 Move-In Resale had approximately 500 students in attendance.
Following campus protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Move-In Resale+ safely permitted over 500 attendees to purchase gently used dorm items.
The 2021 Move-In Resale+ expanded to include a plant sale.
Items sold at the event include mini-fridges, furniture (couches, tables, chairs) and smaller dorm accessories.
All items that are not in good condition or unable to be stored over the summer are donated to local organizations.
Instagram promotion for Greening Move-Out
The Resale+ diverts dorm items in good condition from landfills, which are disproportionately located in communities of color and in low-income communities.
Student volunteers are the back-bone of this program. They organize, sort and bag donations and items for the Resale.
Items are donated across campus by students moving out at the end of the academic year. Donation sites are managed by student volunteers.